Thursday, July 25, 2013

The following conversation happened yesterday in our car after we passed a Little Caesars Pizza.

MK: I know why they call it "Little Caesars" because he has scissors.
Me: I know Caesar and scissor sound the same. But actually, Caesar is a name used many years ago in Rome for their Emperor, Ruler, or King.
MK: Oh.
S: I wouldn't use "Caesar." I would call them "Your Majesty," or "Your Hinny-ness."
Me: *cracking up*

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Wednesday was C's last baseball game this season. He was very sad and upset that the season is over.

His team played very well this season. They went on to State Championships. They won their first 2 games, but lost their last 2 knocking them out of the bracket.

After the game, the team huddled up for their usual post-game chat with coach. No one wanted it to end. The kids were all asking if they could have practice tomorrow.

Oriole Team - C is second from left

Last Baseball Game

We presented both Coach and Assistant Coach with these plaques.

I got the idea off of Pinterest. I cut open a baseball, soaked it in hot water so it would lie flat, then took it to a game so all the boys could sign it with their numbers. Then, I tacked the ball down on the plaque. I got official Orioles badges and glued them on.

Baseball Coach Gift

Both coaches were very happy with the gift. One coach mentioned he had wanted to bring a ball for all the boys to sign as a souvenir. Well, we did one better.

They always finish up with a huddle. This is their last huddle-up.

C is number 6.

Last Team Huddle

C had a great season. He wasn't even sure he wanted to play this year, as last year he didn't have much fun. Now, this year he has decided that baseball is is favorite sport. Last year, his coach never held practices, kept him in the outfield or on the bench, and never offered any type of help. This year, his coach was amazing: they had practices several times a week, which the kids all LOVED and never wanted to leave; they played several different positions, rotating around the field; they were given lots of help and advice to improve. And they never wanted to leave. C was visibly upset once the last game was over, coach saw him crying in a corner. He was trying to hide his tears at the post-game huddle.

But it isn't over entirely.

Coach is planning a Kids vs. Parents game next week. That should be interesting.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

I need to pull out my iron and properly iron it before I sew all the strips together. But, I couldn't resist snapping a picture of this stage. It always makes it so much more real and exciting when I can see it coming together and almost done.

Flower Quilt Block In Progress

I'm really close to being done, just another 30 minutes should do it. I just haven't had much time to sew with all the summer activities, baseball, soccer, etc.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Monday, S asked me to cut up a watermelon at lunch. They ate several wedges before they started to play with their food. S thought the rind looked like boats. He filled up the kitchen sink with water to see if his "Melon Boat" would float.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Sunday, July 14, 2013

This past week, S has been participating in a RSL Soccer Camp. He absolutely loved it. He was always so excited to go and then eager to tell us or show us what he learned that day.

S with Coach Jake

RSL Soccer Camp

S showing off his new camp t-shirt

RSL Soccer Camp

S loves soccer. When it was time for baseball signups, I asked him if he wanted to play baseball and he said "No, I want to play soccer." I had to talk him into playing baseball because it wasn't soccer season. I've looked into getting him involved in some of the local soccer clubs, but he is still too young: The age cut off for the youngest group was 2 days before his birthday.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Today, we spent all day at a baseball tournament. C's baseball team signed up for a fundraiser tournament and had 3 games all in one day. It was supposed to be a 2 day tournament, but they were rained out yesterday. C plays on a city league team, and all the other teams at this tournament were accelerated teams that play year round. His team still held their own against these skilled teams, learned a lot, and had a great time.

C's coach used this time as a fun learning experience for them. He made sure they were all having a good time; he moved them around the field; and he praised their accomplishments.

C has been wanting to play pitcher and shortstop all year. He's had several opportunities to play shortstop, and today he had his first chance to pitch. He actually did rather well, and had a great time.

Pitching

He also played center field, right field, second base and third base. There was a lot of plays in the outfield, so he was happy with everywhere he played. He was exhausted by the end of the day, but all smiles. He loved being able to play baseball all day long.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Tonight at dinner we were talking about our day and our plans for tomorrow. R is out of the office all week, so he gets to play with us every day. The kids want to go to Seven Peaks Water Park tomorrow. MK started to tell us all how she is so excited and how she knows how to swim now because S taught her last summer.

C: S also taught MK to swing.
Me: *looking at S* What a great big brother you are. You really do a lot of nice things for your little sister.
S: *big smile while chowing down on his hamburger*
Me: Yeah, sometimes he's nice and sometimes he's a jerk.

*Silence around the table as everyone looks at MK, then we all burst out laughing.*